Dispensing mechanism



Sept. 26, 1939. J. MYERS DISPENSING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 30, 1957 Patented Sept. 26, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to dispensing mechanism for various articles, and particularly for ice cream cones, which are fragile to handle, and must be kept in substantially sealed containers to eliminate possible contact with dust and dirt.

The object of this invention is primarily to retain in individual dispensing position a plurality of cones, which while visible to a purchaser, are nevertheless protected against contact at all times so as to insure sanitary storing and handling.

Another object resides in the provision of a structure so constructed that the storage chamber is inter-changeable thus permitting the utilization of these chambers of different style, color and size.

Other objects and features of the invention will more clearly hereinafter appear by reference to the accompanying drawing, specification and claims forming part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section.

Fig. 3 is a transverse section on line 33 of Fig. 2, and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the spring clip fastening element.

The present invention includes a dispensing chamber A and a container B. The dispensing element A includes a cylindrical body 1 provided with a supporting clamp 2 for connection with a fixed element. The supporting clamp 2 includes the jaws 3 and 4, the lower jaw 4 being provided with a boss 5 through which a clamping screw 6 extends. The clamping screw 6 has an enlarged gripping end 1 and a knurled operating extremity 8.

The tubular body portion l is provided at diametrically spaced points adjacent the upper portion thereof with a plurality of sets of leaf springs. These sets of leaf springs each include an outer short spring l and an inner elongated spring ll approximately twice the length of the short spring and both fixed to the cylindrical body by sets of bolts l2. The bolts I2 project through the container wall adjacent the side edges of the spring bodies and are provided with nuts I4 which overlie the springs and bind them against the inner surface of the tubular body I.

The container B is preferably formed of paper and is provided with elongated windows l and I6 spaced by intermediate strip l'l. These windows may be enclosed by means of a transparent or colored material l8 fixed to the outer wall of the container. The upper end of the container is closed by cap l9, and a similar cap may be provided for the lower end of the container in the event the cones are shipped therein. A closure cap 2| is illustrated as closing the tubular body I and this cap is intended to eliminate all contact of dust and dirt with the cones.

In assembling the structure the container B, with its lower end open, is inserted in the upper end of the cylindrical dispensing chamber A, a sufficient distance to retain the structure firmly upright, and is supported against further downward movement by the nuts [4 which bind the springs l0 and H in position. The cones in the container drop downwardly against the inner springs II and are supported thereby. When it is desired to remove a cone the closure cap 2| is removed, and the lower cone is pulled downwardly against the tension of the springs Ill and II until it is free of their grip. As this operation takes place the remaining cones drop downwardly and are again supported by the springs l0 and l I. It will be noted that the cone being dispensed is subjected only to the tension of the lower free portions of the inner elongated spring, and the structure is thus neither mutilated nor destroyed during this operation. The position of the lower cone when being dispensed is illustrated in dotted lines. The movement of the extremities of the elongated spring is also illustrated in this manner.

What I claim is:

1. A dispensing apparatus including an open ended dispensing chamber, a plurality of pairs of downwardly converging coacting leaf springs annularly arranged within said chamber, each pair of springs including an inner elongated leaf and an outer short leaf reacting thereagainst, bolts extending through said chamber and abutting each side of each pair of springs at their upper ends, nuts on said bolts clamping said springs against the chamber wall, and a container extending into said chamber and supported on said nuts.

2. In a dispensing apparatus including an open ended chamber for the reception of articles to be dispensed, spaced pairs of downwardly converging coacting springs arranged in said chamber for supporting said articles, the pairs of coacting springs each including an outer short leaf spring and an inner elongated leaf spring arranged in overlying relation, means clamping each pair of springs together and to the chamber wall adjacent its upper edge, said short spring terminating at its lower end approximately midway of the elongated spring and forming therewith a support for the articles to be dispensed, and the free ends of the elongated spring forming releasing means for the article being dispensed.

3. A dispensing apparatus including an open ended dispensing chamber, a plurality of sets of 5 downwardly converging co-acting leaf springs annularly arranged within said chamber, each set of springs including an inner elongated leaf and an outer short leaf reacting thereagainst inter- 

